Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971
The Convention on Psychotropic Substances establishes an international framework for controlling psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes.
The Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971 is an international treaty that aims to protect public health by controlling psychotropic substances, such as stimulants, sedatives and hallucinogens, and limiting their use to medical and scientific purposes.
It forms part of the international drug control system and supports cooperation between countries to prevent the diversion, misuse and illicit trafficking of controlled substances.
Australia's obligations
As a signatory to the Convention, Australia regulates activities involving psychotropic substances through legislation, licensing and permit schemes.
The Office of Drug Control (ODC) helps Australia meet these obligations by regulating the import and export of controlled psychotropic substances.
Related conventions
The Convention is part of a broader international drug control framework that also includes:
- Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961
- United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988
Together, these conventions help ensure controlled substances are available for legitimate medical and scientific purposes while preventing diversion to illicit markets.
Read the Convention
Read the full text of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971 on the United Nations website.
www.unodc.org